Robert Perry of Plainview NY first went to Weight Watchers when she was about 14 years old. “It has been a life long struggle of up/downs,” says Perry, 48, who runs a natural skin care company (www.scrubzbodyscrub.com). Over the last nine months, Roberta lost about 18 pounds, and hopes to lose another 12. But she has also helped her daughter, Brooke, 14, improve her eating habits. “Brooke started in April by going on the trampoline every day for at least 10-15 minutes,” says Perry. “She also started putting the bag back in the cabinet after she took her portion of whatever she wanted.”

Healthier snack choices.

What was your biggest challenge?
With a houseful of snackers, there were always things to nibble on.

How did you overcome it?

There have to be other fun things that are nutritious as well, to snack on too. ie: grapes, cherries, blueberries, chocolate-dusted almonds, 94%-fat-free kettle corn, etc.

How can other moms make changes?
Same way.  Making sure that there are alternatives to the higher-calorie, higher-fat versions.  Baked chips or the new “popped chips” instead of fried.  Flavored rice cakes.

What’s your favorite healthy recipe?
Oven-fried chicken with oven-baked french fries; lightly sauteed broccoli in olive oil and garlic with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese; fresh fruit that’s been cut up.  Another fave is low-fat lasagna made with ground turkey, spinach, low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and homemade tomato sauce.

What do you wish someone had told you about healthy eating?
That I can have some of everything I crave, so long as it’s always in moderation.

What else would you like to change in your own life or your family’s?
Continue to make good choices. Not choosing food when what I want is something else, like a drink, or a nap, even.

What was the most important way you helped your daughter with her weight issues?
By talking about healthful eating and nutrition, as opposed to size and the number on the scale.

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See what 14-year-old Brooke has to say about getting healthier on Fitsmi.com.